Is it... (gasp) thrush???

Although this issue has improved over the years, I have seen lots of people who are convinced that they have thrush when they do not. Thrush has been a huge villain in a lot of breastfeeding stories for a long time, which is sad since it is not nearly as common and is not as resistant to treatment as many people think. It can seem like someone may have a resistant strain of a fungal infection, when it's only resistant because...

A woman is banging on her desk, saying, "drum roll, please."

It's not thrush!! This blog aims to help people determine if they have thrush or another common ailment that resembles thrush, but it will not provide guidance on how to treat either condition. How could I be so mean??? It's easy because a person who is experiencing either of these things needs to be working with an IBCLC, not just relying on online guidance. Sorry, my Google warriors. I love you, but you need to work with a professional to help you navigate this.

The wrestler is making a curious face.

So, what is this other thing that feels like thrush, but isn't thrush? Vasospasms!! Vasospasms occur when your baby has cut off blood flow to the tip of the nipple during feedings. When they unlatch and the blood rushes back into the nipple, it feels very spicy in a terrible way. Think about the pins and needles pain when your foot falls asleep and you try to stand on it. But in a tiny and blood flow-rich area like your nipple. It is not pleasant!! Vasospasms cause the same sharp, shooting pains that are common with thrush, though this phenomenon is not as well-known, so thrush is commonly misdiagnosed. And then, with all of the anti-fungal treatments not working, people think that they have a resistant strain of yeast. And while that is possible, it is not likely.

So, how do you know whether you are experiencing thrush or vasospasms? For that, we have the grand showdown of... thrush vs vasospasm!!

Answer these questions:

1. When is the pain? During feedings, or after?

2. How is the pain? On the skin, surface level, or deep?

3. What color are your nipples? Pink and raw, or white on the tip?

4. Does your baby have any symptoms? Do they struggle to open their mouth wide when latching, or have thick white patches in their mouth?

Here is a flow chart that I spent a lot of time making, and then paid my teenager to finish for me!

1. 

   Flow chart of children playing in the park. One is named Thrush, and one is Vasospasm.

   
   

So basically, thrush will cause pain during and between feedings. Nipples will be pink, shiny, and raw-looking between feedings. While your baby is feeding, you may have sharp, shooting pains coming into the breast from the nipple. Your baby may have thick white patches in their mouth.

Vasospasm will be sharp, shooting pain after feedings and anytime your nipples get cold, like when you're getting out of the shower. You may notice your nipples are white or purple on the tip from your baby cutting off blood flow.

No matter which one you believe you have, please see an IBCLC for help! You can message me if you need help finding one!